(Graphic Original credit to SAG-AFTRA)
Written by Colleen Bement, Editor
The entertainment industry survives and thrives on the creativity and dedication of writers and actors who bring captivating stories to life on both the small and big screens. However, now that the actors have joined the SAG-AFTRA strike, there are postponements, and cancelations that affect thousands and thousands of people in one way or another. The production of “Deadpool 3” and the red carpet premiere of Paramount+’s “Special Ops: Lioness” have been halted due to the strike. No doubt most all productions have been impacted in some way. Deadline reported that Oliver Stone was shocked to hear that stars of “Oppenheimer” walked out of the premiere in London Thursday night after the SAG-AFTRA strike was announced. It’s not at all surprising that they want to show their support. Of course, San Diego Comic-Con is next week and the panel cancelations are rolling in.
Some say this strike might last until October. In the meantime, make a move on that TV show binge list, and check out YouTube, Twitch, and other creative content. There is a silver lining for independent content creators such as YouTubers who may benefit from increased viewership. YouTube shows such as the popular “The Why Files” and “Answers with Joe” may see a bump. Twitch gaming fans should check out System Reactor and deep dive into some old video game content. Whendonverse fans remember the creation of “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” which was made during the WGA strike of 2007-2008. (Side note: Joss Whedon fans have definitely dwindled over the past year, but fans’ love for the content still remains.)
Strikes in the entertainment industry typically occur due to disagreements over contract terms, compensation, working conditions, and other key issues. Writers and actors, as the driving forces behind compelling storytelling, often demand fair wages, appropriate working hours, residuals, healthcare benefits, and improved representation. For more information on the strike and the list of demands check out CNBC’s article here. See SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher’s speech below.
The Impact on Fan Conventions
The strike will impact many of the panels at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con and other planned 2023 conventions. Guest cancellations and panel limitations may happen in the wake of this strike. San Diego Comic-Con and others alike have put out statements. Most events will probably go on. Here is SDCC’s running count of affected panels.
Thankfully, SDCC is a lot more than just Hollywood. According to their website, there are still hundreds of panels on comics, and publishers, including a preview of new “Transformers” robots. Local Denver convention GalacticonDenver posted a statement that can be viewed on their Facebook page. For fans concerned about the upcoming convention, the organizers had this to say: the Actors and Writer Guild contracts are with the studio organization AMPTP. The strike is against those companies that are party to that contract. Actors and writers are prohibited from doing work for anyone party to that contract, including appearances to specifically promote projects of those companies. Fan convention organizers, like GalactiCon, are NOT party to that contract. Personal appearances by actors and writers are via direct contracts between the talent and the convention organizers. They are paid directly by the convention. Actors are in no way prohibited by the guilds from making money doing those kinds of appearances, they DO NOT benefit the AMPTP companies in any way.
The strike may cause disruptions and delays in the short term, the ultimate goal is to forge a path forward that upholds the rights of writers and actors, while still delivering the science fiction stories and immersive conventions that captivate our hearts and minds. As fans, we hope for a swift resolution and the continuation of the vibrant worlds we hold dear.
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